If you’ve been scrolling TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen these golden little bites of heaven popping up on your feed: garlic parmesan potato balls. They’re everything we love in a snack — crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. The moment I saw them, I had to try making them my way — and let’s just say, they didn’t last long. My kids argued over the last one (Emma may or may not have tried to hide it behind the fruit bowl), and now they’re on permanent snack rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Potato Balls
These cheese stuffed potato balls are a TikTok-inspired snack that actually lives up to the hype. Here’s why they’re a keeper:
- • Crispy outside, gooey center — That contrast is everything
- • 6 ingredients you already have
- • Leftover mashed potatoes = gold
- • Customizable for picky eaters or spice lovers
- • Quick prep + air fryer option for busy nights
- • Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or Netflix snacks
The first time I made them, I paired them with a fresh salad and something tangy to balance the savory richness. Pair it with a zesty side like this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad for the full party plate!
Printable Recipe Card : Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Potato Balls
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Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Potato Balls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 balls 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy inside — these garlic parmesan potato balls are the ultimate comfort snack. Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes and crowd-pleasing enough for parties, lunchboxes, or game nights!
Ingredients
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2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work great)
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¾ cup mozzarella cubes (or any melty cheese)
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½ cup grated Parmesan, divided
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1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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Fresh parsley, optional for garnish
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Warm marinara, for dipping
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup cooked bacon bits
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1–2 finely chopped jalapeños
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¾ cup panko (air fryer version only)
Instructions
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Mix & Chill:
In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, ½ cup Parmesan, and garlic powder. Chill for at least 10 minutes to firm up the mixture. -
Assemble the Balls:
Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of the potato mix, flatten, and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Shape into a ball. -
Bread & Bake:
Roll each ball in egg, then in panko. Double coat if desired.-
Oven: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
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Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F for 12–15 minutes.
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-
Serve:
Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
Don’t skip the chill time! It helps the balls hold their shape.
Want to prep ahead? Freeze uncooked balls and bake straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to bake time.
Double coating adds extra crunch!
Use a cookie scoop for even sizing and less mess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan potato balls, cheese stuffed potato balls, crispy mashed potato balls, air-fryer potato balls
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| • 2 cups mashed potatoes | Leftovers work beautifully |
| • ¾ cup mozzarella cubes | Or any melty cheese like cheddar or gouda |
| • ½ cup grated Parmesan | Divided; for flavor and coating |
| • 1 tsp garlic powder | Or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced |
| • 2 eggs, beaten | For breading |
| • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs | Adds that crispy mashed potato balls bite |
| • Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish |
| • Warm marinara | Perfect for dipping |
Optional Add-ins:
- • ½ cup cooked bacon bits for a loaded twist
- • 1–2 chopped jalapeños for spice
- • ¾ cup panko only for the air fryer version
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix & Chill
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups mashed potatoes, ½ cup Parmesan, and 1 tsp garlic powder until smooth. Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 10 minutes.
Eva’s Note: This chill time firms everything up — trust me, skipping it leads to cheesy chaos in the oven. I usually sip a quick coffee or help Emma with her spelling list during this break.
2. Assemble the Balls
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the cheesy potato mix (a cookie scoop works wonders). Flatten slightly and tuck in a cube of mozzarella. Gently shape it into a ball.
Eva’s Note: My ice cream scoop gives me perfect rounds every time — less mess, same size, no fuss. This is also a great assembly line moment with the kids: Noah scoops, Emma stuffs, Lily rolls.
Optional: Freeze any extras on a baking sheet for later. Just add 3–4 minutes to your baking time when ready to cook.
3. Bread & Bake
Roll each ball in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, do a second coat: panko → egg → panko.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F for 12–15 minutes for maximum crisp.
Eva’s Note: We lean air fryer when we want that crispy baked snack vibe without heating up the whole kitchen.
4. Serve
Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and your favorite dipping sauce. We love marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for a creamy contrast.
Eva’s Note: On game days, these go fast. I always double the batch and serve them next to nachos and fruit skewers for balance.
Easy Variations to Try
Here are a few tasty twists to keep things fun:
- • Loaded Potato Balls: Add bacon bits and shredded cheddar to the mix
- • Spicy Jalapeño: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or pepper jack cheese
- • Air Fryer Only: Skip the oven entirely and go straight to air-frying
- • Mini Bites: Make them smaller for kids or party trays
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Potato Balls
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Potato Balls ahead?
Yes! You can fully assemble the potato balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Freeze uncooked ones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for last-minute baking.
Eva’s Note: I prepped a batch the night before Lily’s birthday party. Next day bake, zero stress.
Why did my balls fall apart?
They may have been too warm, too wet, or not chilled enough. Be sure your mashed potatoes aren’t overly creamy and give the mix time to firm up.
Eva’s Note: Been there—mine split wide open when I skipped chilling once!
Baked vs. air-fried: which is better?
Both work great! Air-fried ones are a bit crunchier and quicker, while oven-baked are easier for big batches.
Eva’s Tip: Do a test round both ways and see what your crew prefers!
More Party Bites
Planning a little get-together? These pair beautifully with sides like dips, skewers, and something cool to contrast the crunch.
Try it with our Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad for a fresh contrast and you’ve got yourself a spread worthy of any birthday, picnic, or weekend movie night.
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today. Whether you found these on TikTok or just needed a new way to love your leftovers, I hope they bring a little extra joy to your table. din’t forget to visit my Facebook page
With love (and sticky fingers), Eva